Thursday, October 1, 2026
After an impressive coaching career spanning multiple roles, Jack Agostino is now in his 30th year as head coach for Amityville boys’ basketball.
Agostino’s coaching career took a notable turn when he served as the associate head coach at North Carolina A&T in 2017. Following a two-year stint at Bay Shore, he returned to Amityville.
After nine games this season, the Warriors find themselves with a 5-4 record, including 4-1 in league play, thanks to wins over Riverhead, East Hampton, Harborfields, Rocky Point, and Westhampton.
The Warriors have bought in to Agostino’s vision, and several key players have been standing out. Among them is Amir Dickerson, a 6-foot-3 junior averaging 23.2 points per game. “He has shown tremendous improvement since his sophomore year,” said Agostino. “His growth has been crucial for the team’s success because his ability to both defend and score adds an extra dimension to the squad.”
Another Agostino relies on heavily is Taki Mason, who he calls the “heart and soul” of the team. “We usually have Mason defending the opposing team’s best player,” said Agostino. “He really is a coach’s dream type of player.” Mason also has played a big role on offense as he led all Warriors in scoring with 20 points in their win over Westhampton.
DaJon Clinton, a senior who also plays football, is another standout. Known for his toughness. He’s the quarterback of the defense,” Agostino said. “His ability to organize and motivate the team on that end of the floor goes a long way.” Clinton’s season got off to a great start, as he scored 16 points in the Warriors’ opening day win over Riverhead.
Junior forward Wes Flythe, who moved up from JV, has also been a pleasant surprise. “Wes put in significant work during the offseason,” said Agostino. “His development has been one of the more encouraging stories for us this season.” One of his better games came against Harborfields, when he scored 9 points to go along with 7 rebounds.
In the backcourt, Allen Dotson-Isabell, a sophomore point guard, has been making significant strides. “His confidence and improvement as a leader on the floor make him one to watch in the future,” Agostino said.
Amityville also has a talented group of freshmen who have been swinging between the varsity and JV levels to gain more playing time. One of those, Isaiah Nixon, is already showing himself to be one of the best shooters on the team. “He has a great attitude and work ethic,” Agostino said. “Both are traits that can be essential for his development.”
With all the talent on the roster, expectations remain sky-high. But Agostino remains focused on the present, reminding his players to concentrate on each game and each possession.
“We try not to think about the playoffs,” he said. “It’s hard for the players to think that way, so I just have to keep reminding them to focus on what’s right in front of them.”
